FOOD PRICES, SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY UNDER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN NIGERIA: A CASE OF RAW GROUNGNUT IN AKURE METROPOLIS, ONDO STATE

Abstract

This paper evaluated the effect of covid-19 on food security in Nigeria by using groundnut as case study. The study examined the variation in price of raw groundnut before, during and after covid-19 lockdown and assessed the effect of the lockdown on the price, accessibility and availability of raw groundnut in the study area. Survey design, purposive, proportionate stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents from four major markets (Oja Oba, Isikan, Odopetu and Osolo markets) within Akure Metropolis. Data were collected with structured questionnaire and personal interview and analyzed with descriptive statistic (trend analysis and mean average). The hypothesis was tested with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that there was a significant difference in the price of raw groundnut before and after the lockdown, the price of groundnut upturn by 11.11% as soon as COVID-19 lockdown was implemented, remained high for about four months after the lockdown and reduced thereafter as a result of low purchasing power, eased movement and reduced transportation cost. The paper recommends concerted government policy options, plans and strategies to assist in cushioning the effect of pandemic on the price of raw groundnut and make raw groundnut readily accessible and affordable during any pandemic in especially in Ondo State and Nigeria in general, so that food insecurity is prevented and food sustainability is attained.